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Paddling at the Gorge Fest was a first for Nanaimo’s Phoenix Rising, which was configured as a Woman’s team (which borrowed heavily from other Ergondragons Boating & Fitness Club teams) for the event.

Phoenix Rising is a recreational team, but they turned in three outstanding heats. They not only broke the three-minute barrier for the first time in their 3-year history, but they also consistently reduced their initial time in heats two and three.

Hats off to a team with performed admirably against some of the toughest competition possible. In their first heat, they faced the Nusa’Lon Dragons and the Island Breaststrokers, but they weren’t the least intimidated, and gave it all they had — and then some.

The results have been posted here.

I was disappointed that the paddlers forming the paddle arch following the carnation ceremony did not repeat last years’ practice of pounding their paddles on the deck. It was an awesome and tribal tribute to our ladies in pink, and I’d hoped it would be repeated.